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Bariatric Surgery: Possible Risks and Complications

Deciding on bariatric surgery can be difficult. This is major surgery. If you qualify for bariatric surgery, you need to think about the possible risks and complications of having this surgery. Compare these with the risks and complications of not having the surgery. Make sure you know what to expect after surgery, too. You need to be willing to change your lifestyle for the rest of your life. And your body may change greatly in the years after surgery.

Possible Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, bariatric surgery has certain risks. The risks and complications will vary according to the type of bariatric surgery you have. Make sure you discuss your risks for surgery with your surgeon. These can include:

Infection

Leaks, blockage at a site where tissue is sewn or stapled together (anastomosis), or bleeding, requiring further procedures or even another major operation to repair

Breathing problems, such as pneumonia, which may require ventilation

Acid reflux, ulcers, and/or esophagitis

Dumping syndrome-diarrhea, cramps and other GI symptoms

Kidney failure

Depressed mood or other psychological issues

Blood clot in the legs or lungs

Injury to the spleen, sometimes requiring removal of the spleen

Recurrent vomiting that requires a procedure to stop the problem

Development of a hernia at one of the incision sites (including internally)

Problems from anesthesia

Other rare but severe complications

Death

Ongoing Concerns After Surgery

After surgery, your body may not absorb all the nutrients it needs, making malnutrition or vitamin and mineral deficiency more likely. Vitamin and mineral supplements are needed to prevent this.

Dehydration is more likely after surgery. You must take care to drink enough liquids each day.

Gallstones may occur in up to 38% of patients, and may require additional surgery.

You may also experience failure to lose weight, or weight gain after initial weight loss.

Temporary hair loss is a common side effect of this surgery.

Loose folds of skin are common when a large amount of weight is lost. Extra skin can be surgically removed when your weight has stabilized, but this may not be fully covered by your insurance.